Chapter 257

Adrian Valdemar had never felt so humiliated in his life.

He glared at the rattan cane in Sophia Laurent's hand, teeth clenched. The woman looked delicate, but her wrist carried surprising strength. A single strike left a red welt across his arm.

"Keep staring and I'll add two more hours," Sophia warned, swinging the cane.

Fuming, Adrian climbed into the car.

Then it hit him—Julian was about to endure the same torment. His lips curled into a smirk despite himself. The earlier scowl transformed into something almost gleeful.

"That's a sinister smile," Sophia observed, narrowing her eyes.

Adrian schooled his features. "Just facial spasms from exhaustion."

"Really?" Her tone was light. "You had no trouble calling me a she-devil earlier."

Adrian exhaled sharply and reclined his seat, feigning sleep.

Today had been hell. Eight hours of vocal training left his throat raw. And this woman had hovered over him with that damned cane, striking at every wrong note.

Sophia studied the furrow between his brows as he pretended to sleep.

The spoiled young master had no idea how privileged he was. Professor Fairchild rarely took private students. Without Sophia's past connection—saving the professor's granddaughter—this opportunity wouldn't exist.

Despite Adrian's rebellious attitude, he'd applied himself during lessons. Raw talent simmered beneath the surface. If only he'd commit...

Sophia massaged her temples. The audition loomed in a week. Adrian's skills paled compared to Scarlett's. If he failed to land the Young Marquis role, her entire plan would unravel.

The car glided into Westmount Villa's driveway.

Adrian lagged behind as they exited, trailing her like a shadow. Before Sophia could question his sudden hesitation, a crisp male voice called from the foyer:

"Welcome home, sister-in-law."

A young man in a white dress shirt stood in the entryway. Where Adrian radiated defiance, this one carried an air of effortless polish—the picture of an elite university graduate.

"Julian?" Sophia recalled the dossier. The second son of the Valdemar family's lesser branch.

The young man smiled. "What perfect timing for my visit."

Sophia caught Adrian's smug expression from the corner of her eye. The pieces clicked—this unannounced guest wasn't here by coincidence.